Characteristics of the background emission spectrum from a miniature inductively-coupled plasma

The spectral characteristics of the background radiation emitted by a miniature inductively-coupled plasma (i.c.p.) are carefully examined and methods for reducing undesirable features discussed. The complex nature of the background emission spectrum for the mini-i.c.p. indicates that careful line selection criteria and background correction procedures should be employed. Extending the torch coolant tube to the bottom of the region being observed in the plasma proved to be the most effective method for reducing undesirable spectral band features. Acute changes in background emission levels with r.f. power and nebulizer gas flow rates emphasize the need for careful control of these parameters to achieve high precision. Comparison between mini-i.c.p. and conventional i.c.p. spectra reveals the basic similarity of the two sources.     

Gas flow dynamics of an inductively coupled plasma discharge

Temperature and velocity distributions within a low power (0.5–0.75 kW) inductively coupled plasma discharge operating in argon have ben determined for various operating parameters including aerosol gas now rate, plasma gas flow rate, aerosol nozzle diameter, and input power level. All measurements were made without samples. The channel formed in the discharge by the aerosol gas now exhibits temperature and velocity characteristics which distinguishes it from the plasma core and wall regions. Maximum plasma temperature of 8700 ± 300 K and channel gas velocity of 120 $\text{m}\text{s}$ were found.     

Use of spatial emission profiles and a nomenclature system as aids in interpreting matrix effects in the low-power argon inductively coupled plasma

An automated profiling system was used to determine vertical intensity distributions for atomic and ionic lines of several elements in the ICP and to measure the effect of matrix components on those distributions. Most atomic lines show maximum signal (not necessarily maximum signal/noise) rather low in the plasma. Ion lines predominate in the plasma region used most frequently for analysis. In the region of high atomic emission, enhancements are observed for both atom and ion lines with many analytes when matrix elements are added. The enhancements either disappear or become much less severe in the region of high ionic emission normally viewed. The zone where the interferences occur can be shifted higher or lower in the plasma depending primarily on the central gas flow and the power level. Plasma structure can be used to predict regions of high interference. A Nomenclature System for the plasma zone is used as an aid in comparing plasma conditions.     

S42+ and S42− : an ab initio study

The structures of S₄²⁺ and S₄^2? have been investigated by ab initio calculations using the GAUSSIAN 70 system of programs and the 44-31G basis set. Electronic singlet states of the square form and three possible conformations of the chain structure were examined for both ions, and the singlet rectangle form of S₄^2? was also investigated. The anti chain form of S₄²⁺ was found to be 78.3 kJ mol^? more stable than the square form, in contrast to previous experimental data. S₄^2?is predicted to adopt the chain structure with the anti conformation.     

Thiazo rifamycins—I : Structure and synthesis of rifamycins p,q and verde,novel metabolites from mutants of nocardia mediterranea

Structures 1, 2 and 3 have been assigned to rifamycins P, Q and Verde, novel metabolites isolated from a mutant strain of Nocardia mediterranea both on the basis of spectroscopic evidence (UV, IR, MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR) in comparison with the model compounds rifamycin S (4), rifampicin (5) and 4-dimethylamino-4-deoxy-rifamycin SV (6), and of an unambiguous synthesis from rifamycin S (4).     

An immobilized immuno-stirrer for the determination of creatine kinase-mb isoenzyme in blood serum

An immobilized immuno-stirrer is described for the determination of creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme in blood serum. The IgG antibodies are immobilized on alkylamine glass beads using glutaraldehyde as cross-linking reagent, and the beads are packed into a rotating porous cell. After incubation with stirring, the CK-M isoenzymes in the blood serum sample are inhibited and are bound to the antibodies inside the stirrer. The residual CK-B isoenzyme activity is then determined spectrophotometrically or electrochemically. The binding capacity of the immuno-stirrer to CK-M isoenzyme was estimated to be 800 Ul^-1 with an average inhibitory efficiency of 97.8%. The within-day and day-to-day coefficients of variation were 5% and 4%, respectively, over a period of 52 days. An immuno-stirrer loaded with antibodies attached to cyanogen bromide-activated cellulose beads was also characterized, but the antibodies were not as stable as on glass beads.     

Wavelength-dependent enhancement of DCP metal lines by saline matrices

Sodium-induced emission enhancement of transition metal resonance lines are measured in a d.c. plasma (DCP) for wavelengths from 210 to 395 nm. Systematic differences in enhancement are observed within individual spectra (Fe I, Ni I, Sc II), and the enhancement and the excitation potential of a line are found to be linearly related. Electron density and apparent temperature data lead to an interpretation of thiis energy dependence within the context of a recombining plasma in partial thermodynamic equilibrium.     

Chemotaxonomy of the rutaceae—XII: The occurrence of severine in Atalantia monophylla and Hesperethusa crenulata. A revised structure for severine

Severine palmitate has been isolated from the fruit of Atalantiamonophylla and Hesptrethusacrenulata both of the family Rutaceae. NMR shift reagent and mass spectral studies suggest the need for revision of the structure of severine to 2. The revised structure is confirmed by the ¹³C NMR spectra of severine and its derivatives.     

Photosolvolysis of 3,4-dichloroaniline in water : Evidence for an aryl cation intermediate

Irradiation of 3,4-dichloroaniline in water (λ > 290nm) gave 2-chloro-5-aminophenol with a conversion of 78±5%. The photolysis quantum yield at 313 nm of 0.052±0.003 was unaffected by cyanide (0.35 M) or pH changes between 4 and 12. A MO calculation indicated a large excited singlet state shift in electron density to the carbon undergoing substitution. The reaction is suggested to proceed through an aryl cation intermediate produced by heterolytic cleavage of the meta carbon-chlorine bond. Reaction from the triplet state is not considered likely since neither oxygen nor sorbic alcohol affected the quantum yield.     

Excitation temperature,degree of ionization of added iron species,and electron density in an exploding thin film plasma

Time and spacially resolved spectra of a cylindrically symmetric exploding thin film plasma were obtained with a rotating mirror camera and astigmatic imaging. These spectra were decouvolved to obtain relative spectral emissivity profiles for nine Fe(II) and two Fe(I) lines. The effective (electronic) excitation temperature at various positions in the plasma and at various times during the first current halfcycle was computed from the Fe(II) emissivity values using the Boltzmann graphical method. The Fe(II)/Fe(I) emissivity ratios together with the temperature were used to determine the degree of ionization of Fe. Finally, the electron density was estimated from the Saha equilibrium. Electronic excitation temperatures range from 10,000–15,000 K near the electrode surface at peak discharge current to 7000–10,000 K at 6–10 mm above the electrode surface at the first current zero. Corresponding electron densities range from 10¹⁷-10¹⁸ cm^?3 at peak current to 10¹⁵-10¹⁶cm^?3 near zero current. Error propagation and criteria for thermodynamic equilibrium are discussed.     

Microwave spectrum of N2D4, 14N quadrupole coupling constants,and the barrier to inversion of the amino group

The microwave spectrum of N₂D₄ has been observed and analyzed. Based on five low-J rotational transitions the effective rotational constants are: A = 74712.9 ± 1.9 MHz, B = 18500.42 ± 0.46 MHz, and C = 18439.91 ± 0.46 MHz. The quadrupole coupling constants of the ¹⁴N nuclei are X_aa = 4.23 ± 0.04 MHz, X_bb = 1.98 ± 0.05 MHz, and X_cc = ?2.25 ± 0.05 MHz. Using the observed ground state inversion splittings for N₂D₄ and N₂H₄ the barrier to inversion of a single amino group is computed to be 5.00 kcal mol^?1.     

Discovery of an electrical post-pulse in the surroundings of a high voltage spark discharge

In the vicinity of a high voltage spark, an electrical pulse of negative polarity was observed. The pulse's behavior with respect to spark cathode composition, gas flow, spatial distribution, and related parameters was characterized. Suggestions as to the origin of the pulse are made. Attempts at observing laser-enhanced ionization in the post discharge time period are described.     

Structure,hydrogen bonding and vibrational spectra of pyruvic acid

The complete vibrational spectra of liquid pyruvic acid and the infrared spectrum of crystalline pyruvic acid at about 20 K have been recorded and analyzed. A vibrational assignment is proposed based on these spectra and comparison with spectra of derivatives of pyruvic acid.The spectra of pyruvic acid can best be interpreted in terms of a cyclic hydrogen-bonded dimer structure in which the two carbonyl groups are in a trans configuration in the pure liquid phase. A similar structure has been reported for crystalline pyruvic acid by X-ray diffraction. In dilute solution the structure appears to be monomeric with an internal hydrogen bond, in essential agreement with the structures of the monomer reported from microwave spectroscopic measurements.     

Microwave spectrum and substitutional structure of CH2DF

Forty-two transitions of the microwave spectrum of CH₂DF have been observed in the region between 75 and 450 GHz. The measurement of both a-type and b-type transitions makes possible the analysis of the spectrum and the accurate calculation of the rotational constants (in MHz): = 119 675.0535 ± 0.074, = 24 043.4415 ± 0.072, ? = 22959.3732 °0.072, °j = 0.049371 ±0.00011, °_jk = 0.34268 ±0.0006, 2_k = 3,3774 ± 0.0035, δ _j = 0.002329 ± 0.000045, δ_k = 0.0687 ± 0.036. These constants, in combination with the results of earlier work on the symmetric speci r_s structure calculation based entirely on high-accuracy microwave data. The structural parameters are r_CH = 1.100 Å, r_CF = 1.383 Å, and ∠HCH = 110° 37'.     

Spectra and structure of phosphorus-boron compounds : IV. Vibrational spectra of solid trifluorophosphineborane

The Raman spectra of F₃PBH₃ and F₃PBD₃ have been recorded (2500-10 cm⁻¹) of the liquids (−80°C) and solids (−196°C) as well as the infrared spectra (4000-33 cm⁻¹) of the solids. In the spectrum of the solid state many of the ¹⁰B and ¹¹B fundamentals were clearly defined and it was also possible to assign the BH₃ torsional frequency from the infrared and Raman spectra of the solids. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed and a normal coordinate calculation carried out. The force constant of 2.46 mdyn Å⁻¹ for the P-B stretching mode is consistent with the short P-B bond; this constant is compared to the similar quantity for several other phosphorus-boron compounds. All of the E modes for the “free” molecule are shown to be split by the site symmetry which indicates that the molecules occupy C_s or C₁ sites. The large number of observed lattice modes is consistent with two or more molecules per primitive cell. The torsional frequency was observed at 224 cm⁻¹ and 167 cm⁻¹ in hydrogen and deuterium compounds in the solid, respectively. These frequencies gave a periodic barrier of 4.15 kcal mole⁻¹ for F₃PBH₃ and 4.31 kcal mole⁻¹ for F₃PBD₃. CNDO/2 calculations have been carried out for F₃PBH₃ and the isoelectronic F₃SiCH₃ molecule in both the staggered and eclipsed forms and the dipole and barrier origins are discussed.     

Ligand-exchange chromatography of amino sugars and amino acids on copper-loaded silylated controlled-pore glass

The application of silylated controlled-pore glass (CPG) particles as a stationary phase for the liquid chromatographic separation of selected amino acids and amino hexoses is reported. Copper-loaded columns prepared from CPG particles whose surface was silylated to immobilize an ethylenediamine functional group were employed. Copper bleeding from the column occurred but was compensated by 10^-4M copper in the ammoniacal eluent. Hydrolysis of the siloxane bonded to the surface limited the practical lifetime of a column to 50 h of continuous operation.     

Excitation of analytes and enhancement of emission intensities in a d.c. plasma jet: a critical review leading to proposed mechanistic models

Experimental data and theoretical criteria are used to critically review existing models for analyte emission enhancement in the 3-electrode d.c. plasma (DCP). The analytical zone is characterized as a non-optically thin recombining plasma in partial thermodynamic equilibrium (PTE). Spectrochemical excitation the authors ascribe largely to: (1) argon resonance line radiative transport; (2) inversion of optically pumped argon states; (3) inversion of analyte populations by Franck-Condon collisions with argon; (4) energy cascading in analytes via a multitude of channels. Adding an easily ionized element (EIE): (1) induces additional resonance line radiative transfer; (2) raises electron densities in cooler, analyte-rich plasma margins; (3) locally increases argon optical absorption cross sections via Stark broadening; (4) redistributes ohmic heating. Coupling between the proposed mechanisms is non-linear. Relationships between radiative transfer and collisional redistribution and (1) background suppression by EIE and (2) analyte emission enhancement by helium are also examined. Similarities between DCP and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) excitation mechanisms are noted and practical implications are addressed.     

Emission spectra of an argon inductively coupled plasma in the vacuum ultraviolet: background spectra from 85 to 200 nm

The background spectra emitted from an argon ICP discharge have been recorded over the spectral range 85 to 200 nm. These vacuum ultraviolet spectra were acquired by coupling the ICP to a 0.5-m Seya-Namioka vacuum monochromator, through a helium purged side-arm. Background features observed include emission from the resonance lines of ArI, and emission from gas impurities such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen.     

Molecular structure and conformation of 2,3-dichloro-1-propene as determined by gas-phase electron diffraction

The molecular structure and conformation of 2,3-dichloro-1-propene have been determined by gas-phase electron diffraction at nozzle temperatures of 24, 90 and 273°C. The molecules exist as a mixture of two conformers with the chlorine atoms anti (torsion angle ∠φ = 0°) or gauche (∠φ = 109°) to each other and with the anti form the more stable. The composition (mole fraction) of the vapor with uncertainties estimated at 2σ was found to be 0.55 (0.08), 0.49 (0.08) and 0.41 (0.10) at 24, 90 and 273°, respectively. These values correspond to an energy difference with estimated standard deviation ΔE° = E°_g-E°_a = 0.7 ± 0.3 kcal mol^?1 and an entropy difference ΔS° = S°_g-S°_a = 0.6 ± 0.9 cal mol^?1 K^?1. Some of the diffraction results, together with spectroscopic observations, permit the evaluation of an approximate torsional potential function of the form 2V = V₁ (1 - cos φ) + V₂ (1 - cos 2φ) + V₃ (1 - cos 3φ); the results are V₁ = 4.4 ± 0.5, V₂ = ?2.9 ± 0.5 and V₃ = 4.8 ± 0.2, all in kcal mol^?1. The results at 24°C for the distance (r_a) and angle (∠_α) parameters, with estimated uncertainties of 2σ, are: r(C_sp²-H) = 1.098(0.020)Å, r(C_sp³-H) = 1.103(0.020)Å, r(CC) = 1.334(0.009)Å, r(C-C) = 1.504(0.013)Å, r(C_sp²-Cl) = 1.752(0.021)Å, r(C_sp³-Cl) = 1.776(0.020)Å, ∠C-CC = 127.6(1.1)°, ∠C_sp³-C_sp²-Cl = 110.2(1.0), ∠C_sp²-C_sp³-Cl = 113.1(1.2)°, ∠H-C_sp³-H = 109.5° (assumed), ∠CC-H = 120.0° (assumed) and ∠φ = 108.9(3.4)°.